Kathmandu, February 23

President Bidhya Devi Bhandari has underscored the need to balance foreign policy and international relations, while also attaching high importance to national interest.

Addressing the 75th anniversary function of the Nepal Council of World Affairs in Kathmandu today, President Bhandari reiterated that diplomatic relations should be handled in a balanced manner in view of the ever-changing context. 'Nepal's foreign policy objectives and aims should be discussed in line with the changing scenario in such fora,' she reminded.

At a time when the unprecedented development of science and IT have made people's lives easier and happier, there are other global challenges posed by geopolitical adversity, widening inequality, and global crisis plagued by climate change, which the president argued, 'has caused threats to world peace and prosperity.' She further said Nepal's presence at the international arena should be made more effective by developing self-sufficient economy. 'Nepal has kept intact its independence and sovereignty,' President Bhandari said, reminding the stakeholders including the political parties to build a comprehensive, common consensus, and unified perspective on foreign policy.

'It is our priority to conduct foreign policy by paying attention to the changed national and international scenario. We should move ahead by prioritising governance, integrity and national independence as provisioned in the constitution.'

According to her, the major objective of foreign policy is to promote the interest of Nepal and Nepalis in the international community. Effective diplomatic channel helps to create harmony and support and bring in assistance, thereby making international atmosphere conducive for the country. She suggested that Nepal government continuously advocate the rights of landlocked countries for cross-border transportation and development of mountain country.

Moreover, the head of state stated that Nepal had accorded priority to socioeconomic development along with sustainable peace, prosperity and meaningful change in people's lives. She also discussed other issues such as SDGs, promotion of exports, foreign investment, and transfer of technology.

President Bhandari underlined the need to strengthen friendly and cordial relations with two neighbours - India and China. 'Nepal is happy to see development in India and China, and Nepal should reap benefits from them,' she said.

She also reminded of relations with other friendly countries, labour destination countries, need to strengthen relations with UN and its agencies, respecting sovereign equality, independence, and territorial integrity as per the UN Charter, and peaceful and diplomatic dialogue for settling disputes, among others.

She expressed her belief that such programmes would help strengthen Nepal's foreign policy based on peace, non-alignment, and panchasheel principles.

On the occasion, former foreign minister Bhekh Bahadur Thapa urged Nepal to play a positive and coordinating role via balanced diplomacy in the midst of the complicated global atmosphere at present.

The Council's Chair Hemanta Kharel said the Council was playing an important role in holding diplomatic dialogues.

On the occasion, President Bhandari released a souvenir published by the Council and honoured noted diplomat Thapa, offering him a shawl.

A version of this article appears in the print on February 24, 2023, of The Himalayan Times.